Doc Watson Guitar Lesson: How to Play Like the Legendary Flatpicker

To celebrate the centennial of Doc Watson, flatpicking ace Alan Barnosky gives an overview of the pioneering picker's style. This lesson breaks down Watson’s acoustic flatpicking, beginning with rhythm and backup, transitioning to his lead playing, and ending with the combination of the two. The notation is available in the July/August 2023 issue of AG (bit.ly/3MGi7JK).
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[@AcousticGuitarMag]

Follow along with the tab and notation here: acousticguitar.com/exploration-of-doc-watsons-innovative-and-joyful-guitar-stylings/

[@user-my1bq5uw6l]

Great lesson! Summarizing so many songs in just a few key principles. Clear explanations.

[@Guitarinthewoods]

Great lesson. Always absolutely loved Doc’s Little Sadie and at last, a clear break down of how to play it.

[@DrewTurock]

Great stuff as always Alan! Thank you!

[@37BopCity]

Great video but I have to say that "playing like Doc Watson" is exactly that --- we're all just trying to do a good imitation. Some people can come real close and sound great. But essentially nobody can rise to the level of that extraordinarily gifted man. Doc was one of a kind and they broke the mold the day he was born. His music isn't just the notes and the technique --- it's the warmth, honesty and generosity of his personality shining through, that made people love him so much. I am so glad I saw him live in concert back in the day.

[@jamesgraham5566]

Great lesson, thank you 🙏

[@markskywalker71]

Grazie Alan, great lesson!!!

[@jamesrenz9475]

Doc also learned a lot from Hank Garland when he played fiddle tune style. Listen to Garland's version, e.g., of Billy in the Lowground.

[@oscarpepperbean5752]

Thanks for this. I will try to learn it for sure.

[@kevininman2013]

Thanks Allen love your videos!

[@sambrackbill6486]

Thanks for this lesson. I like the upstroke tips. They make it sound nice.

[@kemikalsound902]

Thanks!

[@vicmorrison8128]

Best of RUclips!

[@oscarpepperbean5752]

Love it. Thanks

[@Enryu_CZX]

Please make carl miner lessons. His style and some of his songs

[@Flat_Stanley]

Is that a Martin D-10?

[@longtalljay]

"Tennessee Stud" at 17:42 ""Little Sadie" at 19:23

[@kainekarz9881]

😊

[@capomover]

My reaction to all of your videos can be summed up by saying this: Pfffft!

[@AcousticGuitarMag]

What do you mean by that?

[@erikriversmusic]

Thanks!